dangerous, says Mach. These days, however, he says that scientific research and testing components are available to make a detoxification program truly worthwhile.

“Really what detoxification is about is giving the body a chance to heal — to rest, and cleansing the detox organs,” says Mach. He cites one of his favorite studies in which cells were grown in Petri dishes. Some were continually cleansed (detoxified) and the length of time those cells lived was much greater compared to the control group that wasn’t cleansed. There are detox teas, pills and formulas available (Food Fantasies, 1512 Wabash, 793-8009, has a wide selection), but Mach says that without accompanying dietary changes, they have limited effectiveness.

“The simpler you can eat for a time, the better,” says Mach. He advises eliminating dairy products, fried foods and white flour and eating primarily raw fruits and vegetables (preferably organically grown), along with vegetable broths, cooked vegetables and protein sources such as beans and legumes.

Mach offers a 28-day intensive detoxification program at his office, Holistic Health Alliance, 901-B Clock Tower Drive, that includes three support meetings, guidelines, training and materials. Contact him at 638- 6224 or [email protected] for more information or to register.

Contact Juilianne Glatz at [email protected]